What Illinois's digital driver's license actually is
Illinois offers a digital driver's license through the state's official mobile app, called Illinois ID. This is a digital copy of your driver's license that lives on your smartphone and can be shown to police during traffic stops or to verify your identity in certain situations. It is not a replacement for your physical card — you still carry that — but a second form of proof you can display on your phone's screen.
The digital version contains the same information as your plastic license: your name, date of birth, address, license number, and photo. When you show it to an officer, they can scan the QR code on the screen to verify it is genuine. The app stores your license data encrypted on your phone, and you control when and to whom you display it.
This is different from straightforward taking a photo of your license. The Illinois ID app creates an official digital credential that law enforcement and other authorized parties can verify in real time. The state began rolling out this system in 2024, and it is available to anyone with a valid Illinois driver's license and a compatible smartphone.
Key Takeaways
- The Illinois ID app lets you display your driver's license on your phone, but you must still carry your physical license card.
- You read the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, then add your license by scanning your physical card or entering your license number.
- Police can scan the QR code on your digital license to verify it is real, just as they would with a physical card.
- Your digital license data is encrypted on your phone, and you decide when to show it — you do not have to unlock your phone to display it.
- The digital license works for identity verification in some situations, but not all businesses or agencies accept it yet.
How to add your license to the Illinois ID app
Start by downloading the Illinois ID app from the Apple App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play (for Android). Once installed, open the app and select the option to add your driver's license. You will have two paths: you can hold your physical license up to your phone's camera and let the app scan it, or you can enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number manually.
If you choose to scan, the app reads the information from your card's barcode and magnetic stripe. If you enter it manually, the state's system verifies your information against the Department of Transportation's records. Either way, you will need to take a selfie so the app can confirm your identity matches the photo on your license.
Once you complete these steps, your digital license appears in the app. You can then display it by opening the app and tapping your license — the screen will show your license information and a QR code that law enforcement can scan. The app does not require you to unlock your phone to show your license, which is a privacy feature that prevents officers from accessing other data on your device.
When and where you can use your digital license
Police can accept your digital license during traffic stops in place of your physical card. When an officer asks for your license, you can show them the app on your phone, and they can scan the QR code to verify it. The state's system confirms the license is valid and has not been suspended or revoked.
Some businesses and agencies also accept the digital license for age verification — for example, when buying alcohol or entering age-restricted venues. However, acceptance varies. Not every store, bar, or business has equipment to scan the QR code, and some may still require a physical ID. It is wise to carry your physical license at all times, since you cannot assume every situation will accept the digital version.
The digital license does not work for federal purposes like boarding an airplane or entering a federal building. For those situations, you must use your physical REAL ID-compliant driver's license or passport. The digital license is also not accepted for vehicle registration or title transactions — those still require your physical card and signature.
Security and privacy in the Illinois ID app
Your license information is stored on your phone using encryption, which means it is scrambled in a way that only your phone and the state's verification system can read. When you show your digital license to someone, they see only what you choose to display — your license information and photo. They cannot access your phone's other data, contacts, or location.
The QR code on your digital license is unique and changes each time you display it, which prevents someone from taking a screenshot and reusing it. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remove your license from the app remotely through your account settings, which disables that digital license when ready. You can then add it to a new phone once you have a replacement device.
The state does not track when or where you show your digital license. Law enforcement can see that they scanned a valid license, but the state's system does not log which officer scanned it or when. This is similar to how a physical license works — there is no central record of every time someone looks at your card.
What happens if your license expires or is suspended
If your physical driver's license expires, your digital license expires at the same time. You must renew your physical license through the Secretary of State's office, and once you do, you can update your digital license in the app. The app will prompt you to scan your new card or re-enter your information.
If your license is suspended or revoked, the state's system will mark your digital license as invalid. When an officer scans the QR code, they will see that the license is not valid. You cannot use the digital license during this time, just as you cannot use your physical card. Once your suspension ends and your license is reinstated, you can use the digital version again.
Technical requirements and compatibility
The Illinois ID app works on iPhones running iOS 14 or later and Android phones running Android 8 or later. You need a smartphone with a working camera and an internet connection to read the app and add your license. Once your license is added, you can display it offline — you do not need cell service or WiFi to show it to an officer.
The app takes up minimal storage space on your phone. If you have multiple devices, you can add your license to more than one phone, but you can only display one active digital license at a time. If you add your license to a second phone, the first one becomes inactive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need to carry my physical driver's license?
Yes. The digital license is a supplement, not a replacement. You must carry your physical card at all times. Not all officers, businesses, or agencies accept the digital version, and some situations legally require the physical card. Keep both with you.
Can I use my digital license to board a plane?
No. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not accept digital driver's licenses. You must present a physical REAL ID-compliant driver's license, passport, or other approved federal ID at airport security.
What if an officer does not want to scan my digital license?
You can show them your physical card instead. Officers are not required to accept the digital version, and you have the right to provide your physical license. If an officer refuses to accept either form, that is a separate legal issue you may want to address with a lawyer.
Can someone screenshot my digital license and use it?
A screenshot would not work because the QR code changes every time you display your license. Even if someone took a picture of your screen, that code would be invalid within seconds. The digital license is designed to prevent this kind of fraud.
What if I lose my phone?
You can log into your Illinois ID account online or through the app on another device and remove your license remotely. This disables that digital license when ready. Once you have a new phone, you can read the app and add your license again.